HIV and Hepatitis Exposure Scare at Oklahoma Dentist

HIV and Hepatitis Exposure Scare at Oklahoma Dentist

TULSA, Oklahoma (WHNT) — The Tulsa Health Department and the Oklahoma State Department of Health announced they are notifying approximately 7,000 patients about potential exposure to blood borne viruses.

The investigation revealed a Tulsa dentist possibly performed practices that could have exposed patients to infectious materials including Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV.

Authorities have identified the dentist as Scott Harrington. The dentistry board complaint says Harrington and his staff told investigators that a “high population of known infectious disease carrier patients” received dental care from him. The complaint said a device used to sterilize all instruments wasn’t working properly.

The Health Department is beginning the process of notifying patients who should be tested for the blood-borne illness. Those patients will begin to receive letters in the mail.
Authorities say Harrington has voluntarily ceased practicing as a result of their investigation.